Grizzly Bear Killed After Surprise Encounter in Montana, Hunter Injured in Misfire

A mother grizzly bear was killed by hunters in self-defense after the animal was frightened by an unintentional surprise encounter. During the ordeal in Montana, one of the hunters suffered injury due to a misfire.

Grizzly Bear Killed in Montana

Over the weekend, two men in Montana killed a mother grizzly bear in self-defense after it allegedly charged them, according to authorities.

The full-grown grizzly and her youngster were seen by the Whitefish men on Saturday when they were doing hunting season reconnaissance in the woods close to the Smokey Range Trailhead in the Flathead National Forest, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

According to officials, the bears were startled by the men within 15 feet while they were walking through a dense part of the forest.

Both hunters shot and killed the bear when it charged them. However, one of the men accidentally shot his companion in the shoulder during the assault, the other man was injured and was transferred to a hospital where he received medical attention.

The incident was being investigated by game wardens from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks along with members of the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team. Authorities are still keeping an eye on the location of the cub.

Defensive Bear, Defensive Hunters

The bear looked to be on the defensive throughout the unexpectedly close encounter with the two hunters, according to the officials.

Federal officials concurred that the killing was committed in self-defense after Montana officials informed the US Fish and Wildlife Service of their conclusions.

The grizzly bear, who was about 25 years old, had been previously tagged for population monitoring operations in 2009 and did not have a history of conflicts with people, according to officials. After Alaska, Montana has the greatest grizzly bear population of any US state. The lower 48 states are home to at least 1,923 grizzlies, which are officially protected as a threatened species. Except in self-defense situations, it is forbidden to hurt, threaten, or kill bears.

Precautions in Bear Encounters

Public safety officials urged everyone to take steps to keep away from bears.

When exploring outside in Montana, locals, tourists, and anyone who works outside should have bear spray on them and be ready to use it right away. It is recommended to go in groups and to make occasional noise to alert bears and prevent unforeseen surprise encounters. Important advice includes avoiding animal carcasses, which bears frequently find appealing and keeping food in a secure location.

A bear should never be approached, and people should always get out of the bear's way whenever it is safe to do so. Put away trash, bird feeders, pet food, and other attractants in a safe structure. Until garbage pickup day, keep trash in a safe structure or place it in a container that has been certified bear-resistant.

Wildlife authorities also remind the public that it is against the law to feed bears and other wildlife in Montana. This could make the bear forget its usual foraging habit and pose a risk to people's safety.

In regions where any noises they make might not carry effectively, such as in streams and areas with poor visibility, hunters are encouraged to remain alert for bear signs and to exercise caution.